Embracing Silence as a Tool

Written By Allison Pollard

Photo by Evan Moss

For those who don’t know, the photo is a reference to Doctor Who, a British sci-fi show that I enjoy watching.  It's a picture of the Silence; their existence is a secret because anyone who sees them immediately forgets about them after looking away, but retains suggestions made to them by the Silence.  Do you remember what it was like to have silence in your life?

I watch a lot of TV.  To be more accurate, I multitask frequently with a TV on in the background.  I like the noise.  But as this video* shows, silence can be powerful:

I sometimes carve out time for silence when I really want to savor something I’m reading or want to inspire creativity.  What does silence do for you? 

*Thanks to @coridrew for sharing this video with me

Allison Pollard

Allison Pollard helps overwhelmed technical leaders debug their management approach. She teaches them how to manage up, support people through change, and make time for strategic work. Her education in computer science, mathematics, and English from Southern Methodist University helps her connect technical work with people management. As a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC) and Professional Certified Coach (PCC), Allison focuses on improving product delivery and leadership culture. Her experience includes work in energy, retail, financial, real estate, and transportation industries. Allison regularly speaks at global conferences like Scrum Gatherings and Agile Alliance's Agile20xx. She promotes women's leadership as the program director for Women in Agile's Mentorship program. When she's not working, Allison likes to drink lattes and listen to Broadway musicals. Allison is a proud glasses wearer and co-owner of Middlegame Partners.

http://www.allisonpollard.com
Previous

Being an Agile Leader in the Process of Change
Next

More Clever Ways to Practice Listening